An internal combustion engine needs four things to run: air, fuel, spark, and compression. Compression is created by spinning the engine. If the engine is off, how would you get it moving again to create this compression? Enter the starter. A starter is a big electric motor that is designed to spin your engine when … Read more
Inside an internal combustion engine, metal components move very rapidly, with tight clearances under intense temperatures and pressures. Without a source of lubrication, these components would quickly wear each other out from metal on metal contact. Engine oil is specifically designed to prevent this catastrophic wear. Engine oil has a pretty tough job. It needs … Read more
Combustion engines operate on the principle of burning things to go faster. Ironically, you’re not supposed to smell anything burning while you’re driving down the road. If you do encounter a burning smell while in or around your vehicle, it’s important to identify the source and correct the problem. Some burning materials are very dangerous … Read more
Some Subarus have a reputation for eating head gaskets at a very low mileage. Where did this reputation come from? Though there was never an official Subaru head gasket recall, the problem is pervasive enough where it can be expected that certain original head gaskets will fail between 100,000 and 150,000 miles (160-241k kilometers). This … Read more
Have you ever gone out to your car in the morning and noticed a strong gasoline smell in the cabin? Perhaps the smell only occurs after you start the car or open the hood? A strong fuel smell around your vehicle is never a good thing, but some causes are worse than others. If you … Read more
Cars have several peripheral devices (also called accessories) which allow their internal combustion engines to function properly. Some of the main accessories include a power steering pump, alternator, air conditioning compressor, and sometimes a vacuum pump. However, these devices cannot function properly without the help of a serpentine belt. This one long continuous belt is the force … Read more
Gasoline-powered vehicles use a complex system to get moving. Problems with fuel or air delivery, exhaust emission, or anything in between can be the reason your car is sluggish or won’t accelerate. A combustion engine requires a specific ratio of air to fuel to be in each cylinder at the right time, followed by a … Read more
An internal combustion engine needs four things to run: air, fuel, spark, and compression. These elements must also be introduced into the combustion chamber at exactly the right time. If the compression ends up being too low in any of the cylinders, then your vehicle will not be able to drive normally. You will likely … Read more
The fuel pressure regulator is a component found within the internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The job of the fuel pressure regulator is just how it sounds. It regulates the fuel pressure of the engine system by changing the pressure whenever necessary. It features a mechanical diaphragm that is operated by a vacuum to … Read more
When a car has a misfire, it means that internal combustion in the cylinder did not finish completely. The car will still be able to run and you’ll be able to drive it, but you’ll start to notice the engine jerking a lot. This could be followed by exhaust smoke coming out of the tailpipe, … Read more